What to Expect

Hours of Training

Practical training in agriculture is hard work and can require long hours each day. Participants should expect to work 40 hours per week. A short growing season and unpredictable weather often mean participants work long hours during peak periods, such as planting or harvest. Some participants may find the hours to be long and difficult.

Compensation

Participants are paid at or above the national minimum wage while at the placement site. Host trainers are allowed to deduct up to $250 from each participant's monthly pay for room and board. Overtime will not be paid except where state or federal law mandates it, or where it is the choice of the host trainer. Some placements may have an alternative compensation package which shall be agreed upon by all parties prior to the beginning of the program. All participants are subject to state and federal income taxes, which may be withheld from the participant's paycheck. It is important to remember that the primary purpose of the program is learning and cultural exchange, not to make money.

Time Off

Participants should receive a minimum of one day off each week during the practical training period. Time off is unpaid and may be scheduled as one day per week or two days every other week (agreed upon between the participant and the host trainer). Exceptions will occur during peak periods when participants are expected to be flexible about arranging their time off.

Vacations

Participants will receive two days of unpaid vacation for each month of the practical training period. These days may be accumulated, and should be arranged to be taken during the practical training period. Timing of the vacation must be approved by the host trainer and may not be taken during peak work periods. In addition, participants have a 30-day grace period following their program to prepare for departure from the U.S. Often participants will travel around the USA during this grace period.

Housing

Applicants indicate a preference for housing on the application, however, this choice cannot be guaranteed. Some participants live with and take all meals with a family; others live on their own and are responsible for some or all meals. Each situation is different and will be discussed during the placement process. Host trainers assist in finding living arrangements that are a reasonable cost for the area. The only time a participant is responsible for finding their own housing is if he/she participates in the semester study program in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Location of Training

Placements are located throughout the country with a majority in the Midwest region which includes the states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa and Michigan. Agricultural placements are usually located in rural areas. Horticultural placements are most often located in urban areas.

Host Trainers

Qualified host trainers are screened, interviewed, and evaluated. Many have participated in a host trainer orientation and have participated in the program for several years.

Support

The MAST International staff has extensive international experience and training. They are responsible for providing educational leadership and guidance to all participants during their time on the program. Staff members assist in developing training/internship placement plans for participants, provide orientations upon arrival in the USA, visit participants at their training sites, support and advise participants and hosts throughout their time on the MAST International program, and evaluate the experiences of participants and host trainers.

Orientation in Minnesota

Participants start their program by attending a mandatory orientation at the University of Minnesota. Attendees get an overview of their program, get a chance to meet other MAST participants, and get introduced to American culture. (Short-term placements may receive an online orientation in place of an in-person orientation.)

Program Cost

The training/internship fee is based on the length of practical experience and can range from $600 - $1,200.

1 to 4 months

$600

5 months

$700

6 months

$800

7 months

$900

8 months

$1,000

9 months

$1,100

10 to 12 months

$1,200

Health Insurance - By law, health insurance is required for all J-1 exchange visitors in the USA. MAST International offers an insurance policy through CISI for an average cost of $85 per month. Participants can bring their own insurance but it must meet certain requirements. Click here for more information.

Optional Semester Study Program - Provides one semester of classes for $1,550. Other expenses not included in this fee: housing, food, books and supplies.

Country Partner - Your Country Partner may charge a fee for their services. They will assist you during the application and visa process.

Other Expenses - Participants are required to pay for I-901 SEVIS Fee ($180), travel to orientation in Minnesota, travel to their placement site in the USA, and for their return trip home.

You must pay $600 at the time of your arrival in the USA.

The cost of your program includes:

A customized training plan and placement at a U.S. business

J-1 visa sponsorship and U.S. Embassy assistance

Social security application assistance

Pre-departure packet and participant handbook

Airport pick-up, accommodation, t-shirt and most meals when attending orientation in Minnesota

Transportation coordination to your placement site and $100 paid by your host trainer